Judges Spotlight 10 FABI Favorites (Image Credits: Pexels)
The National Restaurant Association Show revealed the recipients of its 2026 Food and Beverage Innovations (FABI) Awards, honoring 28 standout products poised to influence restaurant menus nationwide. Among these, judges selected 10 as FABI Favorites for their exceptional creativity and appeal. Celebrating its 15th year, the program highlights items that blend bold tastes, operational ease, and consumer demands like allergen-free options and global inspirations.[1][2]
Judges Spotlight 10 FABI Favorites
These top honorees captured attention for their ability to simplify prep while delivering memorable flavors. Selected from hundreds of entries by a panel including chefs from Wendy’s, California Pizza Kitchen, and Aramark, the Favorites stand out in a competitive field.[1]
The lineup features versatile dairy-free options and fusion twists that operators can deploy across dayparts. Here are the 10 FABI Favorites:
- Daiya Foods Inc.’s Dairy Free Single-Serve Cream Cheese, in convenient 1-oz packets made with oat cream blend for smooth spreading on bagels or grab-and-go items.
- Egglife Foods, Inc.’s Original Egg White Wraps, packing 11g protein and just 1g carbs per gluten-free serving.
- Epicurean Butter’s Elote Butter, blending chipotle, cheese, butter, and lime for quick Mexican-inspired enhancements.
- Grecian Delight Kronos’s Perfect Kebabs Halal Beef Kefta Links, fully cooked and spiced for authentic Mediterranean appeal.
- Klimon’s Churro Chata Dairy-Free Ice Cream Sandwich, evoking horchata and churros with a non-soggy cookie exterior.
- Overseas Food Trading’s Mini Waffles, bite-sized Belgian treats ready for sweet-savory pairings.
- Roland Foods’ Maple Granules, pure dried Canadian maple syrup in crunchy, gluten-free pebbles.
- Sabatino Truffles’ Calabrian Truffle Crunch, a chili crisp variant with black truffle and garlic.
- The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley’s Plum Gochu Syrup, merging plum juice with Korean gochu for sauces and drinks.
- Tractor Beverage Co.’s Citrus Ginger Organic Craft Haymaker, a low-sugar, sparkling switchel with apple cider vinegar.[2]
Emerging Trends in the Full 28 Winners
Beyond the Favorites, the 18 other awardees underscore shifts toward convenience and bold profiles. Products like ready-to-use dips and infused cheeses address labor shortages while exciting palates. Global influences appear in items such as Moroccan plant-based cubes and Korean-style smoked duck breast.[3]
Dairy-free and organic formats gain prominence, reflecting consumer preferences for health-conscious yet indulgent choices. Tractor Beverage Co. secured four nods with its low-calorie Haymaker line in flavors like Apricot Peach and DragonBerry. Roland Foods also shone with Garlic Confit and Gluten-Free Crispy Garlic Chips for effortless umami boosts.
Operational Wins for Busy Kitchens
Judges prioritized products that cut prep time without sacrificing quality. Grecian Delight Kronos earned three awards, including Creamy and Garden Feta Dips alongside the Favorite kebabs. These ready-to-serve options suit dips, dressings, or spreads, easing back-of-house demands.
Gourmet Culinary Partners took spots for Bang Bang Shrimp and Dubai Chocolate Phyllo Triangles, both prepped for quick frying or heating. Such formats help operators refresh menus amid rising costs. Tom Cindric, president of exhibitions for Informa Connect Foodservice Group, noted that winners combine “real flavor credentials and operational practicality.”[1]
From Global Fusion to Functional Drinks
Fusion rules the savory side, with Querendona’s vibrant Beetroot Habanero Sauce adding magenta heat to tacos and proteins. Ajinomoto Foods North America’s Fred’s Salt & Vinegar Cheese Curds deliver snackable crunch, while Bridor USA’s Tiramisu Cheesecake-Style Danish offers flaky indulgence. Beverages like Gordian’s preservative-free Hibiscus Flower Concentrate support aguas frescas and cocktails.
Farley Kaiser of McLane Company emphasized the dual focus on flavor and efficiency: “We want to see the value operationally… what creates opportunities for back-of-the-house efficiencies.” These selections will debut at tastings during the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago from May 16 to 19.[3]
Key Takeaways from 2026 FABI Awards:
- 10 Favorites lead with dairy-free, protein-rich, and fusion innovations for versatile menus.
- Global flavors and ready-to-use formats dominate, aiding labor-strapped kitchens.
- Organic, low-sugar drinks and allergen-free treats meet health trends head-on.
The 2026 FABI Awards signal a menu landscape rich in convenience and excitement, empowering restaurants to captivate diners efficiently. As these products hit show floors and beyond, they promise to spark the next wave of culinary hits. What do you think about these winners? Tell us in the comments.
